Message from President Anne Shelly

I have received a postcard announcing that the Pompey Conservative Party is hosting a political forum on October 30, 2025.    In their announcement, they state that Pompey Historical Society (PHS) is the potential recipient of funds as part of this event. 

I was not contacted prior to the posting of this announcement.   I did not agree to Pompey Historical Society’s participation in or association with this event.    If I had been, my response would have been that our organization will not participate.   That is our position – Pompey Historical Society is not, in any way, associated with this event.

Non-profit status in New York State requires that the organization maintain a neutral position on any political issue or candidate.  The organization cannot support or be presumed to support political causes, activities, or individuals.   Organizational neutrality is vital to its non-profit status.

In the context of New York State regulations for non-profit organizations, PHS has long maintained its political neutrality by avoiding any activities that could be construed as having a political context.   PHS does not invite candidates to speak on our campus or at our meetings.   We do not provide written or virtual communication channels for political statements.   PHS does not appear at any political events.  PHS does not give to or accept from political organizations, any type of funding.    

In the future, I’m hopeful that open and direct communication will be the pathway to respect for both individuals and organizations.